Command chief addresses Airmen on change

By TECH. SGT. SAM KING / 919th SOW Public Affairs

Published: Friday, January 24, 2014 at 01:14 PM.

DUKE FIELD — It was standing room only Dec. 8 when Chief Master Sgt. Tom Mason, the 919th Special Operations Wing command chief, called his first enlisted call since taking over the position in April.
The chief addressed the force on the continuous changes happening in the Air Force and within the wing.
He said both outside factors such as budget issues and the wing’s remissioning have an impact on the wing’s Airmen. He also discussed the leadership turnovers that will occur in the next few months.
“It is our responsibility to be that continuity during these times and pass that knowledge and experience on to those new commanders,” said the chief.
Although experience is of great importance, the chief added that in a challenging future, innovation will be the key to getting through these next few years.
He listed focus points that the wing’s Airmen must adhere to during the continuous transitions. They were:

Taking care of yourself and each other

Respect for everyone

Maintaining military bearing

Continued awareness of the sexual assault prevention and response program

He also addressed the Fit to Fight program and the recent changes that took effect in October.
“This program is not going away people,” said the 31-year veteran. “If you aren’t taking your physical fitness seriously, the train has passed you by. You are only making harder on yourself.”
He also showed Air Force Special Operations Command’s Preservation of the Force video before taking some questions from the wing’s Airmen.

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DUKE FIELD — It was standing room only Dec. 8 when Chief Master Sgt. Tom Mason, the 919th Special Operations Wing command chief, called his first enlisted call since taking over the position in April.
The chief addressed the force on the continuous changes happening in the Air Force and within the wing.
He said both outside factors such as budget issues and the wing’s remissioning have an impact on the wing’s Airmen. He also discussed the leadership turnovers that will occur in the next few months.
“It is our responsibility to be that continuity during these times and pass that knowledge and experience on to those new commanders,” said the chief.
Although experience is of great importance, the chief added that in a challenging future, innovation will be the key to getting through these next few years.
He listed focus points that the wing’s Airmen must adhere to during the continuous transitions. They were:

Taking care of yourself and each other

Respect for everyone

Maintaining military bearing

Continued awareness of the sexual assault prevention and response program

He also addressed the Fit to Fight program and the recent changes that took effect in October.
“This program is not going away people,” said the 31-year veteran. “If you aren’t taking your physical fitness seriously, the train has passed you by. You are only making harder on yourself.”
He also showed Air Force Special Operations Command’s Preservation of the Force video before taking some questions from the wing’s Airmen.